Arar Han is the co-CEO of Alert-One, a personal safety and technology firm.
Everyone from Meryl Streep to Albert Einstein has aging quotes, usually on the topic of aging gracefully. Luckily, you don’t have to be a celebrity or a genius to age like one. We can use their life quotes and words of wisdom to enhance our aging experience.
- Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep is a powerhouse who is widely regarded as one of the greatest film actors of all time. At 66, she continues to take on daring roles. What is Meryl Streep’s secret to aging gracefully?
“You have to embrace getting older. Life is precious, and when you have lost a lot of people, you realize each day is a gift. My advice: don’t waste so much time worrying about your skin or your weight. Develop what you do, what you put your hands on in the world.”
Meryl Streep’s aging tips:
- Don’t worry about getting older.
- Wear sunscreen and stay out of the sun.
- Spend your time doing what you love.
- Betty White
Betty White may be 93, but she is as spunky and feisty as ever. Known as a pioneer of television, she now works with the AARP to dispel stereotypes about getting older. She believes it’s all about your attitude.
“It’s [old age] not a surprise, we knew it was coming—make the most of it. So you may not be as fast on your feet, and the image in your mirror may be a little disappointing, but if you are still functioning and not in pain, gratitude should be the name of the game.”
Betty White’s aging tips:
- Have a positive attitude.
- Be active and keep up with your hobbies.
- Stay knowledgeable about current affairs.
Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein Albert Einstein was a brilliant scientist who helped to found modern physics. His name is synonymous with “genius” and he stayed sharp even when his hair turned white. Getting older doesn’t have to mean letting your brain go soft.
“Do not grow old, no matter how long you live. Never cease to stand like curious children before the great mystery into which we were born.”
Albert Einstein’s aging tips:
- Express yourself. You don’t have to wear matching socks.
- Stay curious and mentally active.
- George Bernard Shaw
George Bernard Shaw, noted playwright, lived to be 94 and was regarded as one of the most famous men in the world at his time. According to Shaw, growing old is not the issue—it is all about how you grow old. This Nobel Prize winner has some excellent words of advice on how to stay feeling young.
“You don’t stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing.”
George Bernard Shaw’s aging tips:
- Exercise your brain so you can make good use of your life experience.
- Aging is all about your attitude, so keep it positive.
- Gabriel García Márquez
This Columbian novelist lived to age 84 and is considered one the most significant writers of the 20th century. Márquez believed that the key to aging gracefully is what we do with our lives.
“It is not true that people stop pursuing dreams because they grow old, they grow old because they stop pursuing dreams.”
Gabriel García Márquez’s aging tips:
- Follow your dreams. It’s never too late.
- Say yes to new opportunities, even if they scare you.
- Happiness is the best medicine.
6. Helen Mirren
This 70-year-old award-winning actress keeps herself looking and feeling great with a very simple tip. Making time for rest to rejuvenate ourselves is her key to aging so gracefully. She stresses the importance of a good night’s sleep to treat your body well:
“I try to sleep as much as possible. It’s very important and, as you get older, even more so.”
Helen Mirren’s aging tips:
- Get a good night’s sleep.
- Exercise a little bit each day.
- Audrey Hepburn
A film and fashion icon during Hollywood’s Golden Era, Audrey Hepburn’s natural beauty only grew as she aged. She believed beauty came not from what is perceived by the eyes, but from the soul.
“The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she knows. And the beauty of a woman, with passing years only grows!”
Audrey Hepburn’s aging tips:
- Be caring and compassionate toward others.
- Be confident and believe in yourself.
- Enjoy the simple pleasure of eating chocolate cake.
Living Young
There is a lot of pressure on older women in today’s society to look a certain way. But aging is really about taking care of ourselves and enjoying life. Choose to face aging head on instead of fighting against it. Embrace the image you see in the mirror and you will find that aging gracefully will come naturally.
As a former professor of mine once said, “Live young for as long as you can.”
